What Bitcoin Did

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and author, discusses Bitcoin as a revolutionary tool for human rights. He explains how money has shifted from freedom to control, with Bitcoin capable of reversing financial repression used by authoritarian regimes. Gladstein shares insights from his travels and meetings in Southeast Asia, highlighting Bitcoin's role in empowering activists. He contrasts Bitcoin's potential for freedom against stablecoins, which he argues strengthen state power, reinforcing the idea that Bitcoin is more than a financial asset—it's freedom money.

Nik Bhatia, a financial researcher and author of 'Layered Money' and 'The Bitcoin Age,' dives deep into the implications of recent repo market spikes and liquidity trends. He explains how the Fed’s mechanics impact reserve scarcity and why banks are hoarding funds instead of lending. Bhatia predicts a private credit boom that could fuel U.S. growth and inflation while enhancing Bitcoin’s status as collateral. He also discusses the geopolitical signals behind gold's rally and Bitcoin’s evolving role in an unpredictable macro environment.

Leopoldo López, a Venezuelan opposition leader and former political prisoner, shares his harrowing journey from mayor to exile. He discusses the psychological toll of four years in solitary confinement and how he orchestrated a prison uprising. Now, he uses Bitcoin to fund resistance movements in Venezuela, defying dictator Maduro. Leopoldo highlights innovative ways crypto supports activists, from humanitarian aid to election monitoring. His insights into building a freedom network through the World Liberty Congress reveal a powerful intersection of activism and technology.

Andrew Hohns, Founder and CEO of Battery Finance, shares his insights on how Bitcoin-backed credit can revolutionize the financial sector. He explains why Bitcoin is superior collateral compared to traditional assets, along with its unique ability to minimize loan-to-value risk. Andrew introduces his innovative concept of BitBonds, proposing a way to integrate Bitcoin into sovereign debt. They also discuss Bitcoin's potential to democratize finance and rejuvenate local economies, promoting freedom and accessibility for savers worldwide.

In this discussion, Matt Odell, a Bitcoin podcaster and co-founder of OpenSats, dives into crucial issues surrounding surveillance capitalism and the importance of freedom tech. He shares insights on why he deleted Twitter to prioritize privacy and healthier internet habits. Odell explains how Nostr can enable an open digital environment for speech, while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding Bitcoin treasury companies. His vision for a sovereign digital society combines permissionless protocols with sustainable business models to accelerate Bitcoin adoption and user agency.

In this discussion, Luke Gromen, founder of Forest for the Trees and a macro analyst, dives into the precarious U.S. debt situation. He explores the potential for financial repression and inflation as tools to manage debt while emphasizing how AI could disrupt the current monetary system. Luke predicts stablecoins might replace the petrodollar and highlights gold and Bitcoin as the safest investments of this decade. He also reflects on the societal implications of job loss due to AI and the crisis of meaning that may emerge in a rapidly changing economy.

Checkmate, a renowned Bitcoin on-chain and macro analyst, joins to dissect the recent market chaos. He reveals how a staggering $20 billion in liquidations was triggered by cascading leverage and the exit of market makers. Discussing Bitcoin's strength, he argues it's becoming a key macro indicator despite short-term volatility. Checkmate explores the decline of altcoins, the emergence of new Bitcoin maximalists, and critical price levels that could dictate future market behavior. His insights highlight Bitcoin's resilience and evolving market dynamics.

Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a computer scientist focused on AI safety, shares insights on the existential risks posed by superintelligence. He discusses the difficulty of controlling advanced AI, its potential to replace human labor, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding open-source models. Roman also explores whether machines can be conscious and the intriguing idea that AI may adopt Bitcoin as its currency in a future dominated by intelligent systems. His thoughts provide a sobering glimpse into a world where human oversight might be a relic of the past.

Antoine Poinsot, a Bitcoin Core contributor and researcher at Chaincode Labs, shares his insights on the evolving dynamics of Bitcoin development. He delves into the contentious Core vs. Knots debate, shedding light on concerns around spam and the implications of the OP_RETURN policy change. Antoine discusses the potential risks of unreviewed Knots code, the challenges of UTXO bloat, and the balance between filtering spam and maintaining network resilience. This conversation navigates the delicate intersection of technical decisions and the future of Bitcoin.

Peter Dunworth, Director of a multi-family office and co-founder of The Bitcoin Adviser, shares insights on Bitcoin as a groundbreaking asset for generational wealth. He explores how even small amounts of BTC can create significant wealth over time and emphasizes Bitcoin's role in underpinning global collateral markets. Dunworth discusses the potential for Bitcoin bonds to reshape sovereign debt and predicts that coexistence with fiat will continue longer than expected. He also highlights how Wall Street's financialization of Bitcoin could benefit its adoption and integration.